Product details

ISBN-13: 9780387954738

ISBN: 0387954732

Publisher: Springer

AUTHOR

Newton, Roger G.

SUMMARY

This text develops quantum theory from its basic assumptions, beginning with statics, followed by dynamics and details of applications and the needed computational techniques. The discussion is based on the view that the fundamental entities of the universe are not particles but fields, with the observed particles arising as their quanta. Quantum fields are thus introduced from the beginning, with a discussion of how they produce quanta that manifest themselves as particles. Most of the book, of course, deals with particle systems, as that is where most of the applications lie; the treatment of quantum field theory is confined to fundamental ideas and their consequences. For developing quantum dynamics, the author uses the Lagrangian technique with the principle of stationary action. The roots of this approach, which includes generating the canonical commutation rules, go back to a course taught by Julian Schwinger, filtered through many years of the author's own teaching. The text emphasizes that the wave function does not exist in physical three-dimensional space, but in configuration space, and it points out that the probabilistic features of the theory arise not from a lack of determinism but from the definition of the "state" of a system, so that many, though not all, of the counterintuitive aspects of quantum mechanics arise from its probabilistic nature and are shared by other probabilistic theories such as classical statistical mechanics. Intended for a graduate-level course in quantum mechanics, the treatment assumes a knowledge of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, Maxwell's electrodynamics, special relativity, and the elements ofNewton, Roger G. is the author of 'Quantum Physics A Text for Graduate Students' with ISBN 9780387954738 and ISBN 0387954732.

The ValoreBooks Guarantee

With our dedicated customer support team, 30-day no-questions-asked return policy, and our price match guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that we're doing everything we can to save you time, money, and stress.

Book condition guidelines

New (perfect condition)

Pages are clean and are not marked by notes, highlighting or fold.

Like new (excellent condition)

Pages are clean and are not marked by notes, highlighting or folds.

Very good (good condition)

Pages are intact and may have minimal notes and/or highlighting or folds.

Good (clean condition)

All pages and the cover is intact. The spine may show signs of wear. Pages include notes and/or highlighting.

Acceptable (readable condition)

All pages and the cover is intact. Pages include considerable notes in pen or highlighter, but the text is not obscured.

How do rentals work?

Rent textbooks

Save up to 90% on the largest selection of textbook rentals in the business. We have the lowest prices -guaranteed.

Receive

Choose between standard or expedited shipping to make sure that your textbooks arrive in time for class.

Return for free!

When your books are due, just pack them up and ship them back. And don't worry about shipping - it's absolutely free!